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Author Spotlight: Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
The Effects of Computer Based Cognitive Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients with Working Memory Impairment: A
Miriam Niemeijer1, Katrine Wordenskjold Sværke1, Hanne Krarup Christensen1
1Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Neurology, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.
Objectives:
To evaluate benefits and harms for computer based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) on working memory impairment after stroke.
Methods:
PRISMA guidelines were followed. Four electronic databases were systematically searched: Embase, Pubmed/Medline, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library. Authors of relevant studies were contacted to detect unpublished data or articles not found by searching databases.
Selection Criteria:
Studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review if they 1) investigated the effects of CBCR on working memory after acquired brain injury in a patient sample which consisted of at least 50% stroke-patients, 2) it was possible to isolate the effects of CBCR-training by comparison to passive or active control groups, and 3) if the outcome assessment included a quantitative working memory outcome measure either isolated or as part of a general outcome measure. Included studies were further eligible for the meta-analysis if 1) they were conducted as a randomized controlled trial, 2) they included only stroke patients, and 3) the effects of CBCR on working memory could be isolated.
Results:
Literature is limited and reported effects of CBCR on working memory after stroke are very heterogeneous. A meta-analysis was not performed as all studies used different measures of working memory. An additional analysis was performed in order to cautiously estimate the difference between the control interventions (whether passive or active) and CBCR interventions. The analysis revealed no meaningful differences in increase of working memory measures between control conditions and intervention conditions. However, this additional analysis should be interpreted with caution as it does not take the heterogeneity of outcome measures or the differences in sample sizes between studies into account. No harms were observed.
Conclusion:
There is insufficient evidence to conclude if CBCR is beneficial for patients with working memory deficits after stroke.
Systematic Review Number:
This systematic review is registered in Prospero with registration ID: CRD42018087437.
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